Question

Durkheim's take on religion is that it provides social bonds for people in a group. An identity is formed through rituals, which are symbolic to the group and allow for shared principles. The group's new identity is created through a collective consciousness, which fosters a common bond between the people in the group. What is Durkheim's view on the role of religion in a group?

1) Religion has no role in forming social bonds in a group.
2) Religion helps in creating a collective consciousness in a group.
3) Religion is only symbolic and does not contribute to group identity.
4) Religion is irrelevant in the formation of shared principles in a group.

Answer 1

Durkheim views religion as a critical element that fosters collective consciousness, social cohesion, and shared principles within a group.

Step-by-step explanation:

Émile Durkheim's view on the role of religion in a group is that it helps in creating a collective consciousness in a group. Durkheim, a prominent sociologist, sees religion as a vital force that binds members of a community together, providing social cohesion, social control, and a sense of meaning and purpose. He argues that rituals associated with sacred objects or ideas foster shared principles and social bonds within the group, ultimately forming a collective identity through common beliefs and practices.